MACHINE FOR PRODUCING GROUPS OF ROLL PRODUCTS

• US 20080022631A1
• Filed: 07/24/2007
• Published: 01/31/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 07/26/2006
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Sacmi Packaging S.p.A. (SACMI Cooperativa Meccanici Imola SC)
• Original Assignee: Tissue Logistics Solutions SpA
• Inventors: Pattuelli, Matteo, Ponti, Alessandro, Dall'omo, Davide
• Application Number:
  US11/782,253
• Publication Number:
  US 20080022631A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 53/203
• CPC Class Codes: B65B 25/146 packaging rolled-up articles
• CPC Class Codes: B65B 35/30 Arranging and feeding articles in groups
• CPC Class Codes: B65B 65/003 Packaging lines, e.g. general layout
• CPC Class Codes: B65G 47/31 by varying the relative speeds of the conveyors forming the series
• CPC Class Codes: B65G 47/32 Applications of transfer devices such devices per se B65G47/74

Abstract

A machine for producing groups (1) of products comprises: a station (3) for grouping a plurality of groups (1); a first surface (4) for receiving the plurality of groups (1) of products arriving from the station (3) to form a batch (L) of products; a first, programmable logic unit (5) for checking and controlling the grouping station (3) and the first surface (4); a palletizing island (6) for groups (1) of products fed by the first surface (4) and comprising a second logic unit (7) for managing and programming at least two robotic units (8, 9) for handling the groups (1) of products, so as to obtain, respectively, individual layers (S) of two or more groups (1) of products, and relative positioning of the layers on pallets (10); means (11) for forming sub-batches (SL) starting with the original batch (L), when required, said means being positioned between the grouping station (3) and the first surface (4), and connected to the first logic unit (5); an interface unit (12), inserted between the first logic unit (5) and the second logic unit (7), and designed to allow a direct connection between the two units (5, 7), for programming at least the sub-batch (SL) forming means (11) directly by the second logic unit (7) according to the parameters for making up the layers (S) in the palletizing island (6).

Claims

1. A machine for producing groups (1) of products, each group consisting of a plurality of products, grouped together to form a configuration, and wrapped and closed in a sheet of wrapping film;

the machine (2) comprising at least the following along a feed line (A);

a station (3) for grouping a plurality of groups (1);

a first surface (4) for receiving the plurality of groups (1) of products arriving from the station (3) to form a batch (L) of loose products;

a first, programmable microprocessor logic unit (5), for checking and controlling the grouping station (3) and the first surface (4);

a palletizing island (6) for the groups (1) of products fed from the first surface (4) and comprising a second microprocessor logic unit (7) for controlling and programming at least two robotic units (8, 9) used to handle the groups (1) of products, so as to obtain, respectively, individual layers (S) of two or more groups (1) of products, and the relative positioning of the layers on pallets (10);

the machine (2) further comprising;

means (11) for forming sub-batches (SL) starting with the batch (L) of groups (1) of products, when required, these means being positioned between the grouping station (3) and the first surface (4), and connected to the first microprocessor logic unit (5);

an interface unit (12), inserted between the first microprocessor logic unit (5) and the second microprocessor logic unit (7), and designed to allow a direct connection between the second logic unit (7) and the first logic unit (5), so as to program at least the means (11) for forming sub-batches (SL) directly from the second logic unit (7) according to the parameters for making up the layers (S) in the palletizing island (6).

2. The machine according to claim 1, wherein the forming means (11) comprise thrust and separation parts (13) designed to separate the groups (1) of products forming the original batch (L) into various sub-batches (SL).

3. The machine according to claim 2, wherein said thrust and separation parts (13) comprise at least two groups of vertical rods (13a, 13b), projecting from the first surface (4) and able to move along the first surface according to two horizontal axes (X, Y) perpendicular to one another, so as to separate and/or separately feed various groups (1) of products forming the sub-batches (SL).

4. The machine according to claim 1, wherein the forming means (11) comprise at least one pair of rigid walls (14a, 14b), slidably supported by an upper cross-member (15), and able to move relative to one another, in both directions, according to a trajectory perpendicular to a direction (U) of batch (L) outfeed from the station (3) and in such a way as to define the make-up of the sub-batches (SL).

5. The machine according to claim 1, wherein the forming means (11) comprise a third robotic unit (16) for selecting and positioning the groups (1) of products in sub-batches (SL), said third robotic unit being positioned at the side of the first surface (4) and acting on the groups (1) of products positioned on the first surface (4).

6. The machine according to claim 1, wherein the interface unit comprises an electronic unit (12) for data transmission and entry connected to the first and second microprocessor logic units (5, 7) and designed to receive and send data (D) for programming the parameters (P) for making up the sub-batches (SL) on the first surface (4) according to the layering program of the second logic unit (7) and controlled by the latter.

7. The machine according to claim 6, wherein the electronic data transmission and entry unit (12) comprises a single, unique transmission channel (Cl) from the second logic unit (7) to the first logic unit (5), allowing, at least for the sub-batch (SL) make-up parameters (P), the presence of a single master logic unit for the first grouping station (3), the first surface (4) and the palletizing island (6), consisting of the second logic unit (7).

8. The machine according to claim 6, wherein the electronic data transmission and entry unit (12) comprises a double transmission channel (C1, C2), for sending and receiving data, between the first and second logic units (5, 7).

9. The machine according to claim 6, wherein the electronic unit (12) is included in the first logic unit (5) and when required the forming means (11) can be directly controlled through it by the second logic unit (7).

10. The machine according to claim 6, wherein the electronic unit (12) has memory banks (12m) for saving predetermined operating parameters (P1, P2, Pn), sent by the second logic unit (7), for the formation of sub-batches (SL) by the forming means (11), the second unit (7) being able to activate these when needed.

11. The machine according to claim 7, wherein the electronic unit (12) is included in the first logic unit (5) and when required the forming means (11) can be directly controlled through it by the second logic unit (7).

12. The machine according to claim 8, wherein the electronic unit (12) is included in the first logic unit (5) and when required the forming means (11) can be directly controlled through it by the second logic unit (7).

13. The machine according to claim 7, wherein the electronic unit (12) has memory banks (12m) for saving predetermined operating parameters (P1, P2, Pn), sent by the second logic unit (7), for the formation of sub-batches (SL) by the forming means (11), the second unit (7) being able to activate these when needed.

14. The machine according to claim 8, wherein the electronic unit (12) has memory banks (12m) for saving predetermined operating parameters (P1, P2, Pn), sent by the second logic unit (7), for the formation of sub-batches (SL) by the forming means (11), the second unit (7) being able to activate these when needed.

15. The machine according to claim 9, wherein the electronic unit (12) has memory banks (12m) for saving predetermined operating parameters (P1, P2, Pn), sent by the second logic unit (7), for the formation of sub-batches (SL) by the forming means (11), the second unit (7) being able to activate these when needed.